Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Treating Colds and Flu Naturally

School has started back here and my husband is a school teacher so I already feel like I may be getting a cold. Since I'm not feeling well I thought I would "recycle" one of my posts from my personal blog about treating colds and flu.

Aromatherapy-
Steam alone can help break up congestion and help relieve some symptoms, adding essential oil can make it work even more. Eucalyptus and thyme can help loosen mucus and heal your throat. Tea tree oil can help with dry air passages. Peppermint can also be helpful for your cold and flu symptoms.

You can use the essential oils in several ways, add them to a humidifier or vaporizer, place a few drops on a handkerchief and keep it under your pillow while you sleep, place the herbs or oils in a bowl of boiling water and place a towel over the bowl to create a steam tent. You can also place the oil in a hot bath.

Homeopathic-
There are many homeopathic options for colds and flus but here are a few of my favorites.Boiron Oscillococcinum is a safe and effective flu remedy.
For colds try Boiron Coldcalm.Hyland's Cold Tablets with Zinc are another good cold remedy.Boiron Chestal cough syrup is a drug-free cough remedy that is safe and effective. They also have a children's version.

Herbs/Supplements-In my house we make a drink out of elderberry extract, colloidal silver, oil of oregano, and Emergen-C Immune Defense it's not the best tasting drink but it works.